Mariah Carey to earn $18m on Idol

Los Angeles - Mariah Carey will reportedly be "the highest paid judge on any music competition show".

The latest addition to the American Idol panel will apparently make $18m in one year.

A show insider told UsMagazine.com: "Mariah is getting paid $18m with a one-year option to do Idol, making her the highest paid judge on any music competition show."

The singer's show predecessor Jennifer Lopez earned around $12m per season, Christina Aguilera negotiated a reported $10m for the third season of The Voice, while Britney Spears will make approximately $16m for her stint on The X Factor USA.

'Fun and rewarding'

Five-time Grammy Award winner, Mariah, confirmed on Monday that she had agreed on a deal with the television talent show.

She said: "As a singer, songwriter and producer, it's going to be fun and rewarding to help find new talent and give back to American Idol.

"I'm currently in the studio working on my new album and its first single, Triumphant, which will be out early next month.

"I can't wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon."